Random Freak Outs

Cue the Horror Movie Music

Needed Info: I work in an historic courthouse that’s approximately 20,000 square feet — alone. Legend has it, the tree outside my front door is where they used to hang people. Everyone in our small town knows this building is haunted. The grounds are haunted. The trees are haunted. Because I am a local (and relatively unimportant) politician, the town and county cops know I work in the building…

Sorry Not Sorry — Soccer Edition

I’m not known for sitting quietly on the side lines. I love to cheer our team on. However, I don’t yell at the Refs (okay, 99.9% of the time I don’t). I am a positive side line cheerleader for my team. I  compliment and tell them, “Shake it off. You’ll get it next time.” I leave the critiques to the coach. That’s why he’s there. And he knows a helluva lot more about soccer than I do. But this…

The Political Rant I Never Wanted to Write

Last night, and every other primary and debate night, I engaged in a live blog of sometimes serious, sometimes ridiculous commentary. I don’t participate in these activities as an elected official or Rep, Dem, Ind. I participate as an American Woman seeking to find the best person to represent me. And today, I’m writing this as an American Woman. An American Woman fed up with the notion that a…

In my front yard. About 10 feet away. A black snake.

Needless to say, I freaked.

My husband wasn’t home. My brother wasn’t home. My dad wasn’t home (we live only a few houses away from each other). My neighbors weren’t home.

Good thing it wasn’t a real emergency.

The next thing I knew, two mockingbirds began dive bombing and pecking at the snake.

annoying little hero

Mockingbirds (at least in my yard) have an annoying habit of dive bombing my porch cat, husband, kids, and me. They nest in our pecan trees. I know they are only trying to protect their eggs, but seriously, I can’t get to their eggs!

They scared the snake off. And I haven’t seen another snake since they began their overprotective watch in my front yard.

As a sign of my gratitude, I included birds in my plans for turning my front yard into a habitat. I now have colorful bee houses, butterfly houses, bird houses, bird feeders, and bird baths all over my front yard. I think it makes things a little more whimsical and fun! The kids LOVE it!

T’s butterfly house

P’s butterfly house

Bird inticement

T picked out orange

Bee shelter

Bring on the birds!

Bee and insect shelters

Our first Bee of the season!

And I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy drinking my morning tea on the front porch while watching all of the different birds come to scavenge.

Each girl has an age appropriate bird guide and digital camera. They become extremely excited when they discover a new breed visiting.

T holding her bird book in her lap and gazing. (Ignore the stripes -it was St Paddy’s day)

I also thought of the squirrels! Because they will tear up my flowers if ignored.

  This was more for me than them. *he he he* It spins the corn around, keeping the squirrels occupied. 

Things are coming along well and some seeds have begun sprouting after only a week!

So, until next time…

Front Yard Habitat II

Last we chatted, I had just plotted out my flower beds to begin a pollinators habitat in my front yard. EEK! So much progress has been made. However, I am quite impatient for it to all grow in. I have to continue to remind myself that this will be a work in progress for a few years. Few years. To save some money, I only planted a few perennials. Five butterfly bushes, seven lantanas, and two rose…

It’s been awhile and I did promise not to give up on this. I swear I have a good reason(s). I began grad school in January, full-time. I got elected to City Council in November. I’m still a mom, wife, and employed. Sheesh. For years, I have wanted to plant a butterfly garden. I have a row of Lantana hedges in the front yard, and they bring many butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to visit. But, I…

Bucket list item: attend a presidential debate ✅

Because it’s December 1st

It’s officially the Holiday Season. I know this because the creepy Elf, Silver Bells,  returned last night. So basically, I have 24 days of remembering to move her. And if I forget, I have to come up with new excuses…. And of course, I will be caught in a lie from previous years. Because Silver Bells can’t fly back to the North Pole when it rains, but watch me remember to move the damn thing one…